Baby carrier and diaper bag system

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional baby carrier and diaper bag apparatus that seamlessly combines at least two essential baby products - permutations of a baby carrier and a diaper bag. Such an apparatus allows a user to wear each of the carried products separately, if desired, or simultaneously using a multi-purposed, interchangeable shoulder strap system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

In accordance with 35 U.S. Code § 119, this application claims priority to inventor's U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/766,012, filed Sep. 27, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Furthermore, this application contains improvements over U.S. Pat. No. 9,380,887B2, which is incorporated by reference herein only to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to bag carrier systems, and in particular to a lightweight child carrier system that allows simultaneous carriage of other use-type bags (e.g., diaper bags).

BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the herein disclosed claimed technology.

Multipurpose and multifunctional products have enjoyed increased popularity over the last few years; however, there has been little innovation in this regard for baby products. Most of the advances in this product space, and in particular baby/baby product carriers, have been focused on achieving carriers which accommodate forward-facing and/or rear-facing transport of the carrier package section based on, for instance, user preferences, safety, and the like. Even more effort has been spent on gaining increased strength of the carrier itself and attaining comfort/safety for both the child passenger and the wearer of the carrier.

Heretofore, there has been a lack of technological innovation that addresses the market's demand for multifunctional and multipurposed baby products. As prices for baby products in general increases, users will seek ways to reduce expenditure on individual, one-type use products through purchase of product that effectively combine features of these individual products into one product. At the same time, users will want such products to be simple and easy to use in a variety of baby product need scenarios. Specifically, and as an example, baby carriers and diaper bags are not designed to be combined as one product and as a consequence leaves a user (e.g., an individual parent) to struggle with transporting both baby and needed baby stuffs.

US Patent Application No. 2016/0128491A1 to Martiniuk et. al. discloses a combination of a child carrier and stroller. The apparatus further discloses securing a child carrier to the frame of a stroller wherein the child carrier includes a harness assembly for child back support and safety. Further yet, the child harness assembly may be configured to form a backpack child carrier. The apparatus fails, however, to address a system by which, for instance, the stroller and the child carrier would be transported by a user simultaneously on the body of an individual user.

Additionally, German Patent DE202018106350 discloses a baby carrier including a plurality of attachable links for connecting to a baby support vest. The vest is detachable from the harnessing structure, however, there are no means or additional structure for connecting and/or transporting multiple carriers simultaneously to/with the disclosed harnessing structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,466 to Kataoka discloses a multiuse baby holder whereby a non-detachable seat support for a child also functions as a content bag (i.e., fanny pack). The apparatus, unfortunately, is devoid of a shoulder strap system that allows a user “hands-free” holding of a child, and thus compromising the child's safety.

Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 9,380,887 to Frost discloses a lightweight child carrier for mounting upon the front or the back of a wearer's torso. The child carrier, as disclosed, provides an auxiliary strap that mates with the waist band to expand its circumference; however, the strap system renders the apparatus inoperative for use in combining, for instance, another baby carrier and/or diaper bag.

In view of existing baby carriers, there is a need for an apparatus that seamlessly combines at least two essential baby products—permutations of a baby carrier and a diaper bag. Such an apparatus would allow a user to wear each of the carried products separately, if desired, or simultaneously using a multi-purposed, interchangeable shoulder strap system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An object of the invention is to combine separate baby carrier(s) and diaper bag(s) into one seamless product/system. In an embodiment, one or more of a diaper bag and/or baby carrier and permutations thereof are connected to a novel shoulder strap system by releasable fasteners (“male/female clips or clips”) located generally on the top and bottom of each of the diaper bag/baby. The diaper bag and baby carrier may themselves include straps (e.g., nylon) configured with the clips to afford adjustment of the diaper bags and baby carriers on a user.

According to an embodiment, the shoulder straps incorporate additional releasable fasteners (intermediate clips) disposed between (i.e., generally midpoint) the top and bottom releasable fasteners of the shoulder strap. The releasable fasteners, alone or in combination with the intermediate clips allow a user to attach separately, a diaper bag or a baby carrier (or other carriage apparatus) or attach both a diaper bag and a baby carrier concurrently, respectively.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the shoulder straps are detachable from either or both the diaper bag or baby carrier. The intermediate clips on the shoulder straps facilitate wearing the diaper bag and the baby carrier at the same time. As such, the shoulder straps are interchangeable for usage with either the diaper bag or the baby carrier alone. The diaper bag and/or the baby carrier each may have pocket(s) for storing the other when not in use (e.g., the user is wearing the diaper bag and stores the baby carrier or vice versa). For convenience, the user may use a pocket for storing other articles or baby items as well.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a strap (e.g., nylon strap), including a releasable fastener (e.g., clip), is provided as an extension to each of the shoulder straps. The clips are used to attach to mating fasteners/clips of the diaper bag or the baby carrier when the diaper bag and the baby carrier are used in combination.

In an embodiment, the extended shoulder straps may include a plurality of fasteners configured thereon. Ideally, the additional fasteners may be configured as alternate types and styles in order to accommodate varying types and styles of mating fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the instant invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a user employing a diaper bag and baby carrier system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view illustrating a diaper bag and a baby carrier configured for combined carriage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a diaper bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary combined diaper bag and baby carrier system showing an outside view of the shoulder strap system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6, is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary combined diaper bag and baby carrier system showing an inside view of the shoulder strap system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the lumbar support band, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user wearing a baby carrier attached to the exemplary shoulder strap system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user wearing a diaper bag attached to the exemplary shoulder strap system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary combined diaper bag and baby carrier system showing locations where the bag and carrier are combined via the shoulder strap system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type, for example, “clip” or “strap”. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the Detailed Description is not meant to limit the present disclosure. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Accordingly, a system for a multifunctional and multipurposed baby products carrier system is disclosed. The system enables a user to combine separate baby carrier(s) and diaper bag(s) into one seamless product/system. In an embodiment, one or more of a diaper bag and/or baby carrier and permutations thereof are connected to a novel shoulder strap system by releasable fasteners (“male/female clips or clips”).

FIG. 1 illustrates a user 10 employing a diaper bag and baby carrier system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system is generally enabled by use of a novel shoulder strap system 300 that allows a user to combine, for example, a diaper bag 100 and a baby carrier 200 onto his/her body for simultaneous carriage.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view illustrating a diaper bag and a baby carrier configured for combined carriage. Clip 310, in this case, refers to adjoined male/female clips, and as used in accordance with FIG. 2 connects the shoulder strap 301 to the diaper bag 100. An extension strap 311 (e.g., nylon strap) from the shoulder strap 301 connects to clip 220 of the baby carrier 200 thereby securing a baby to the user's body. The diaper bag 100 is also attached to the shoulder strap system at clip 340. For additional security of both the baby and the diaper bag, a waist belt clip assembly 210 is attached to a waist belt 211 secured about the user's torso/lumbar region.

Reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 shows that the diaper bag and the baby carrier may include stowage areas 101 and pockets 102 for storing baby products and/or other items for easy transport. Clip assembly 110 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used to attach a diaper bag 100 to the shoulder strap system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The exemplary clip 110 connects to clip 208 of the baby carrier when the diaper bag is not in use as discussed later.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary outside view of the shoulder strap system along with the baby carrier and diaper bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For combined use of the diaper bag and baby carrier, a user connects attaches the intermediate shoulder strap clips 302 (on each individual shoulder strap of the pair) to clips 110 of the diaper bag. In addition, the user would connect diaper bag clips 120 to the lumbar support clips 208 to provide additional support for the bag and carrier. Clips 202

By reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a user may use the shoulder strap system for carriage of the baby carrier alone. In this case, a user would use clips 204 to connect to clips 304. In addition, clips 303 would be connected to clips 202 while clips 304 would be connected to clips 204. Lumbar support clips 208 may not be used for transport of the baby carrier alone.

Referring again to FIG. 6, a user may also use the exemplary shoulder strap system for carriage of a diaper bag alone. This mode is enabled by attaching clips 303 to clips 110; and attaching clips 304 to clips 120.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the claimed features lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

-   10 user -   11 child -   100 diaper bag -   110 clip, attach to 302 shoulder strap clip -   120 diaper bag clips -   122 strap, size adjusting -   200 baby carrier -   202 clip -   204 clip -   205 adjusting strap -   208 lumbar support band clip -   210 waist band buckle -   211 waist belt assembly -   212 buttons, positioning baby head support -   220 clip, connecting to strap extension 311 -   300 shoulder strap system -   301 shoulder strap with padding -   310 clip for connecting to diaper bag at 120 -   340 clip for attaching to diaper bag 100 

1. (canceled)
 2. An apparatus for carrying at least one of a baby carrier and a carry bag, the apparatus comprising: a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, each shoulder strap having first and second ends and outer facing and inner facing surfaces; a plurality of releasable shoulder strap fasteners disposed on each shoulder strap, the plurality of releasable shoulder strap fasteners comprising a first releasable shoulder strap fastener disposed at the first end of each shoulder strap and a second releasable shoulder strap fastener disposed at the second end of each shoulder strap; a baby carrier comprising a plurality of releasable carrier fasteners that are releasably connectable to at least the first and second releasable shoulder strap fasteners; and a carry bag comprising a plurality of releasable bag fasteners that are releasably connectable to at least the first and second releasable shoulder strap fasteners.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a belt attached to a portion of the baby carrier, wherein the belt is securable around a torso of a user and comprises a belt clip assembly that is releasably connectable to a mating connector on the carry bag.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a third releasable shoulder strap fastener disposed on each shoulder strap.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each first shoulder strap fastener is disposed on the inner facing surface of the first and second shoulder straps and each second and third shoulder strap fasteners are disposed on the outer facing surface of the first and second shoulder straps.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the shoulder straps are padded.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a strap and clips for releasably connecting the first shoulder strap to the second shoulder strap.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the carry bag is a diaper bag.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are individually detachable from either or both the baby carrier and the carry bag.
 10. A method of using the apparatus of claim 2 for carrying the baby carrier comprising the steps of: connecting each first releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective first mating fastener of the plurality of releasable carrier fasteners of the baby carrier; positioning the first shoulder strap on a shoulder the user and the second shoulder strap on another shoulder of the user; connecting each second releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective second mating fastener of the plurality of releasable carrier fasteners of the baby carrier; and securing the belt around the user's torso.
 11. A method of using the apparatus of claim 2 for carrying the carry bag comprising the steps of: connecting each first releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective first mating fastener of the plurality of releasable carrier fasteners of the carry bag; positioning the first shoulder strap on a shoulder of the user and the second shoulder strap on another shoulder of the user; and connecting each second releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective second mating fastener of the plurality of releasable bag fasteners of the carry bag.
 12. A method of using the apparatus of claim 4 for carrying both the baby carrier and the carry bag simultaneously comprising the steps of: connecting each first releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective first mating fastener of the plurality of releasable carrier fasteners of the baby carrier; positioning the first shoulder strap on a shoulder of the user and the second shoulder strap on another shoulder of the user; connecting each second releasable shoulder strap connector the first and second shoulder straps to a respective second mating fastener of the plurality of releasable carrier fasteners of the baby carrier; securing the belt around the user's torso; and connecting each third releasable shoulder strap connector of the first and second shoulder straps to a respective third mating fastener of the plurality of releasable bag fasteners of the carry bag.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of connecting the belt clip assembly to the mating connector on the carry bag. 